Vancouver Coastal Health has launched British Columbia's first dedicated inpatient clinical trials unit for early-phase therapies in blood cancers, marking a significant advancement in cancer care infrastructure. Located at Vancouver General Hospital (VGH), the new Hematology Research Unit will deliver revolutionary therapies including first-in-human treatments such as advanced immunotherapies like CAR T-cell therapy to patients with relapsed or treatment-resistant hematological diseases.
Specialized Infrastructure for Complex Trials
The Hematology Research Unit is embedded within the renowned Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) Program of BC, a joint program with BC Cancer that provides care for all adults in BC and the Yukon requiring a bone marrow transplant and 80 percent of adults with acute leukemia. The unit is purpose-built to support complex clinical trials that require expert collaboration among hematologists, critical care teams, specialized nurses, and allied health professionals.
"The Hematology Research Unit represents a critical step in expanding access to innovative cancer treatments for patients in BC," says Dr. Kevin Song, Leukemia/BMT Tumour Group Leader, BC Cancer and Director, Leukemia/BMT Program of BC. "It gives people with few remaining options a chance to benefit from the latest advances in therapy, without having to leave the province."
The facility features three private inpatient rooms, including one with flexible outpatient capacity, and is fully integrated into the Leukemia/BMT Program's operations and staffing models. It is equipped to accommodate both industry-sponsored and investigator-initiated trials, providing flexibility to meet evolving research demands while maintaining a strong focus on patient-centered care.
Philanthropic Investment and Healthcare Impact
Funded almost entirely by $5 million in philanthropic support through VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation's Greater Than Cancer fundraising campaign, the Hematology Research Unit expands BC's research infrastructure and strengthens clinical capacity. By providing a dedicated space to deliver research-based treatments, patients can now access leading-edge therapies closer to home.
"This specialized unit is more than just a physical space — it's a gateway to cutting-edge innovation and the most advanced treatments for blood cancers," says Dr. Teresa Tsang, Executive Director of Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute. "It represents a first-of-its-kind model for future clinical trial units, setting a new standard for advancing care for the most complex diseases."
By enabling industry-funded care within a public hospital, the Hematology Research Unit helps reduce costs typically borne by the provincial health care system. The presence of this unit also enhances research collaborations with academic and industry partners, bringing treatments of the future to patients in British Columbia today.
Patient Impact and Future Expansion
The unit addresses a critical need for patients with limited treatment options. Helene Lalonde, a study participant diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2012, exemplifies the potential impact. After an unsuccessful stem cell transplant, she joined a clinical trial at VGH. "Now, 13 years later and counting, I'm living a rich and full life," Lalonde says. "With the addition of the Hematology Research Unit, more patients like me get a lifeline with access to treatments that can change lives."
"This unit is the culmination of years of collaboration and a shared commitment to transforming care for patients with blood cancers," says Dr. Florian Kuchenbauer, Senior Scientist, Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer and Associate Director, Hematology Research Program. "By creating a dedicated space for early-phase trials, we are laying the foundation for a new standard of care in BC."
While initially focused on blood cancers, the Hematology Research Unit may serve as a model for early-phase research facilities in other medical specialties in the future. Its embedded education program will also support hands-on training for nurses, allied health professionals, and clinical fellows, building the next generation of research-ready health care teams. The unit also strengthens BC's ability to attract global biotech partnerships and expands capacity for research and innovation across cancer care and beyond.
